Ethics are the right and acceptable rules of manner necessary when conducting professional tasks.  Psychologists have a moral duty of protecting their clients and the general interested parties from malpractice. The ethics and codes of conduct that are followed by professional psychologists and counselors are set by the American Psychological Association. The Ethics Codes apply only to the activities of psychologists that are components of their instructive, scientific or practicedresponsibilities as psychologists. Areas covered include the various branches of psychology like the educational, developmental, counseling, and forensic and industrialpsychology. Other personnel in the field like researchers, teachers, supervisors of trainees and public servants are alsobound by the APA ethical principles(Corey, & Callahan 2007).

Members in the Psychological Associationmust act in accordance with its standards and adhere to the regulations and measures used to enforce them. Lack of knowledgeof, or misinterpretation of the Ethical Standard is taken asignorance of the ethical and moral conducts. The association may impose take stringent actions on its members who violate the standards of the Code of Ethics, including one being stripped of their membership. It may notify other professional bodies like the British Psychological Society and otherinterested individuals of the actions it may have taken.

Ethical and moral issues in the practice of psychology include confidentiality, informed consent, multiple relations, among others. Confidentiality is where clients’ identity and the information attained from them must be kept secret unless they permit,though their full consent, release of such information(Everstine, L, &Seiden, 2003).

A multiple relationship is where a psychologist in a professional task practices with a person who they are in another relationship with. For example, counseling a husband, aunt, or parent is a part of multiple relations. It may be referred to as dual relationship. The ethical issue also emerges when a psychologist promises to get into another close encounter in the future with the client, or a personstrongly associated with the client.Everstine&Seiden (2003) explain that multiple relationships can practically impair the objectivity of the psychologist, their competence andefficiency in performing their professional obligations aspsychologists. They also riskmalpractice to, exploitation of,or harm to theindividual with whom the qualifiedprofessional rapport exists.

Utilitarianism is a moral theory which explains that, an action is right as long as it causes good,admirable results when compared to available alternative acts, and will be wrong if it does not. In multi-relationship, the theory can be used to treat close relatives to the psychologist as long as they will recover from their disorders. If a client does not heal, then multi-relationship is deemed unethicalTribbensee&Claiborn, 2003).

There is the virtue ethics theory by Aristotle.Aristotle puts it that our personal prosperity and happiness is the eventual aim people should work towards. He then consequently, argues that humanshould become skilled at behaving in ways that guide them to theirown happiness.

Principles in APA code of ethics include that of beneficence and non-maleficence. Psychologists must benefit those they serve and avoid harming them. In their professional duties, psychologists should seek to defend the benefit and the rightsof their clients and other affectedpeople. Psychologists should avoid getting into relationships with people they know too well and must attempt to solve these situations in a responsiblestyle that avoids dual-relationships or that reduces them (McLeod,2007).

Integrity is another principle in code of ethics applicable under APA guidelines. Psychologists should seek to upholdhonesty, precision, and genuineness in the field, inpractice, and teaching.of psychology.Corey & Callahan (2007) have it that in these actions, psychologists should avoid stealing, cheating,deliberate falsification offacts or engaging in fraud. It is difficult to do this when in a helping relationship with a close person. Mainly because telling them the truth might hurt them. Hence Psychologists must strive to maintain their promises and avoidunwise dedications. In a situation where dishonesty is morally justifiable to minimize harm and maximize benefits, professionals must consider the probable consequences of distrustand other dangerouseffects that might arise from application of such methods. This can easily happen in multiple relationships.

Justice is another principle that Psychologists use. They must realize that justice and equality are entitled to all clients. Processes, procedures and methods they use should be equally applied all over the range of clients. Everstine&Seiden (2003) writes that in multi-relationships, it is difficult to administer demanding processes. Psychologists must apply reasonable decisionsand be cautious in ensuring that their capabilityand their professionalism donot allowunfairpractice.

Respect for the rights of the people and their dignitymust be respected by psychologists. All people are worth and have rights to privacy, self-determination and confidentiality. Psychologists should be aware that particularare necessary to shield the welfare and rights of the clients. In multiple relationships, rights and welfare might not be safeguarded due to contempt and deep knowledge of the client.

According to McLeod (2007), the common-good approach to moral decision-making assumes that a society is made up of individuals whose personal good is linked to the welfare of the whole community. Thus community members must pursue common goals and values of attaining goodness. This might mean that multi-relationship should be avoided in the society, because it often leads to malpractice, so that clients can achieve their own goodness. If the relationship leads to the required good, it can be practiced too.

References

Corey, & Callahan (2007). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions.Brooks Publishing.

Everstine, L,&Seiden,H. (2003). Ethical conflicts in psychology (3rd ed.) Washington, DC: APA.

McLeod, A. (2007). Psychology Research Ethics.

Tribbensee, E. &Claiborn, D. (2003).Confidentiality in psychotherapy and related contexts.